English - Lesson 32 of 139: Agreeing and Disagreeing

1. Reading + Listening Practice

Hear core phrases, repeat aloud.

Maybe, but ___.

Partly agree and then add a different idea.

Meaning: Partly agree and then add a different idea.

When to use: Use it when you agree a little, but you want to add another point.

Tip: Do not stop after “Maybe, but.” Add your idea after it.

Maybe, but it might be too expensive.

You partly agree, but you add a problem.

Maybe, but we should ask Anna first.

You accept the idea a little, then suggest another step.

I'm not sure about that.

Disagree softly with an idea or statement.

Meaning: Disagree softly with an idea or statement.

When to use: Use it when you are not ready to agree.

I'm not sure about that.

You politely show doubt.

I'm not sure about that. The train may be faster.

You disagree gently and give a reason.

I see it differently.

Say that your opinion is different.

Meaning: Say that your opinion is different.

When to use: Use it when you want to disagree respectfully.

I see it differently.

You have another opinion.

I see it differently. I think the small room is better.

You state a different view and explain it.

I partly agree.

partly agree with someone

Meaning: Partly agree with someone.

When to use: Use it when part of another person’s idea is correct for you.

Tip: “Partly” means not 100%. Use it when your agreement is limited.

I partly agree.

You agree, but not completely.

I partly agree. The idea is good, but the timing is bad.

You agree with one part and disagree with another.

I agree about ___, but ___ .

agree with a specific point but limit agreement

Meaning: Agree with a specific point but limit your agreement.

When to use: Use it when one part is true, but another part is not.

Tip: Use a noun or topic after “about”: “the price,” “the time,” “the plan.”

I agree about the price, but the quality is not great.

You agree about price, but disagree about quality.

I agree about the location, but we need more space.

You agree with one point and add a problem.

That sounds right.

accept that a point is reasonable

Meaning: Accept that a point is reasonable.

When to use: Use it when you think someone’s idea or explanation is probably correct.

That sounds right.

You agree that the idea makes sense.

That sounds right. We should leave at eight.

You agree and continue the plan.

Yes and no.

show mixed agreement and disagreement

Meaning: Show mixed agreement and disagreement.

When to use: Use it before you explain both sides of your opinion.

Yes and no.

Your answer is mixed.

Yes and no. It is easy, but it takes a long time.

You show both a good point and a problem.

I have to disagree.

disagree politely

Meaning: Disagree politely.

When to use: Use it when you want to be clear but still polite.

I have to disagree.

You politely say you do not agree.

I have to disagree. The old design is easier to use.

You disagree and give a reason.

I'm afraid I disagree.

disagree in a softer way

Meaning: Disagree in a softer way.

When to use: Use it in social or work conversations when you want to sound gentle.

Tip: Here, “I’m afraid” does not mean you are scared. It makes the disagreement softer.

I'm afraid I disagree.

You disagree politely and softly.

I'm afraid I disagree. This time is not good for everyone.

You disagree and explain the problem.

That's not always true.

state that a claim is not fully correct

Meaning: State that a claim is not fully correct.

When to use: Use it when someone says something too general, like “always” or “everyone.”

That's not always true.

You say the idea is sometimes wrong.

That's not always true. Some people work better in the morning.

You correct a general statement.

I have a different opinion.

state a different opinion

Meaning: State a different opinion.

When to use: Use it when you want to be direct but not rude.

I have a different opinion.

You say your view is not the same.

I have a different opinion. I think we should wait.

You introduce your own idea.

I understand, but ___ .

disagree while showing understanding

Meaning: Disagree while showing understanding.

When to use: Use it when you understand the other person, but you still have another view.

I understand, but we need more time.

You show respect, then disagree.

I understand, but this plan is too expensive.

You acknowledge the idea and add your concern.

English - Agreeing and Disagreeing

1. Reading + Listening Practice

2. Conversational Listening Practice

3. Guided Practice

Which phrase means you agree only a little?

Anna says, “This plan is perfect.” You think there is a problem. Which soft phrase fits best?

Which phrase is best when someone says, “Everyone loves working late”?

Which phrase shows understanding before a different opinion?

David says the statement is too general because some people need a simpler app.

David agrees that the plan is good, but not that they can finish today.

David politely doubts the idea of canceling right away.

Match the core phrases

Match the extra phrases

4. Speaking Practice